The Borno/Yobe Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 180 bags of psychoactive substances and a consignment of endangered wildlife in separate anti-smuggling operations in Borno.
Customs Area Controller (CAC) Idris Abdullahi briefed journalists at the Command Headquarters in Maiduguri, revealing that the first interception occurred on April 15 along Kano Road following credible intelligence.
Operatives intercepted a vehicle carrying 180 bags of a psychoactive substance known locally as Akuskura. “Each bag contained about 500 bottles, totaling approximately 90,000 bottles. The substances were concealed in sacks and disguised as general merchandise to evade detection,” Abdullahi said.
In a separate operation on April 20 at around 0930 hours, the command seized a consignment of endangered wildlife along the same route. Items confiscated included two live antelopes, one dead antelope, one porcupine, two civet cats, four eagles, and 13 live tortoises.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the animals fall under Appendix I and II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), to which Nigeria is a signatory.
Abdullahi noted that the seizures were made under the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, and relevant international conventions. He warned that trafficking in narcotics and endangered species threatens public health, national security, biodiversity, and Nigeria’s global reputation.
“The command remains committed to combating smuggling of illicit drugs and wildlife products. These substances destroy our youth and fuel criminality, while illegal wildlife trade depletes our natural heritage and violates international conventions,” he said.
The CAC commended officers involved in the operations and acknowledged the support of other security agencies through intelligence sharing. He urged the public to provide timely and credible information to help tackle smuggling and trans-border crimes.
Abdullahi also warned smugglers to desist from illegal activities and embrace lawful livelihoods, noting that seized items will be handed over to relevant agencies for further investigation and prosecution.
